Trump says smartphone tax exemption to 'help Tim Cook'

According to Mr. Trump, the conversation with Apple CEO Tim Cook made him change his mind and decide to temporarily exempt import taxes on many technology products. Photo: Apple .

During an official meeting with El Salvador President Nayib Bukele, President Donald Trump confirmed that he had decided to temporarily exempt import taxes on many technology products such as phones, computers, and semiconductor components after a conversation with Apple CEO Tim Cook.

The US President said that his delay of the smartphone tariff showed his flexibility. He also said that he had spoken with the CEO of Apple.

"I'm not changing my mind, but I'm flexible. You can't just have a wall and just go straight. Sometimes you have to go around it, under it, over it. I spoke to Tim Cook recently. I've helped Tim Cook and that whole industry. I don't want to hurt anybody," the US President said.

On the evening of April 12 (Vietnam time), US President Donald Trump announced that many electronic devices would be exempted from tariffs. Previously, the tariff and reciprocal tax policies for many countries, especially 125% on goods manufactured in China, caused chaos in the technology world.

If the tariffs go into effect, companies like Apple will face increased price pressure on their products. Meanwhile, the new policy means devices like the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and AirTag will no longer be subject to heavy tariffs when imported into the US.

According to analysts, the Trump administration's tax exemption helps Apple avoid the biggest crisis since the pandemic, although everything may only be temporary.

However, the joy was short-lived when US President Donald Trump announced that the above products would be included in the semiconductor tariff group. According to Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, a separate tariff list is expected to be announced in the next 1-2 months.

The Trump administration's conflicting tariff moves could create uncertainty on Wall Street, analysts say, while companies like Apple are likely to be "on edge."

Source: https://znews.vn/ong-trump-noi-mien-thue-smartphone-de-giup-tim-cook-post1546121.html